Daily Archives: December 13, 2022

Decommissioning Project Update

Great progress is being made on the California State Lands Commission’s oil and gas decommissioning project taking place near Haskell’s Beach. The crews have removed the huge concrete caisson walls on PRC 421-1 and will start removing the second caisson walls on PRC-421-2 soon. Once both caisson walls have been removed, crews will start dismantling the piers. The caisson wall removal is a huge milestone in this important oil and gas decommissioning and beach restoration project along a pristinely beautiful stretch of Goleta Coastline. The entire project is on track to finish by 2023.

Pictured above and below: photos of the work being done, courtesy of the State Lands Commission.

 

Historic Oath of Office Swearing-In on December 20th

The City held its first ever District Election this past November and a Councilmember was elected for District One and District Two. Current Councilmember James Kyriaco was elected to represent District Two which encompasses Southeast Goleta and the Old Town Area. Luz Reyes-Martin was elected to represent District One which encompasses Northeast Goleta and the Fairview area.

Districts Three and Four in Western Goleta will be decided in the 2024. The Mayor’s position is elected city-wide and will be on the 2024 ballot. To find out what district you live in, click here. 

Luz Reyes-Martin may be a new face to the Goleta City Council but she is familiar to many in the community. She proudly served on the Goleta Union School District Board for the last eight years and is passionately involved in the community. Reyes-Martin has a Masters Degrees in land use planning and in public administration, and began her professional career working to support economic development and community programs at the city level. Later, she worked as the Executive Director of Public Affairs and Communications at Santa Barbara City College. Reyes-Martin lives in Goleta with her husband and two young children.

Upon certification, James Kyriaco and Luz Reyes-Martin will be sworn in and take their oaths of office at beginning of the December 20th Council meeting. The public is invited to attend in person in City Council Chambers (130 Cremona Drive, Suite B) or watch live on our website (www.CityofGoleta.org/GoletaMeetings) or Goleta TV Channel 19. At the meeting, the Council will also select a Mayor Pro-Tempore.

Cooking Fire Safety

Lots of delicious cooking happens during the holiday season, but did you know that cooking is the main cause of home fires and fire injuries? The U.S. Fire Administration offers these steps to keep you and your family safe:

  • Keep an eye on what you fry. Most cooking fires start when someone is frying food.
  • Watch what you are cooking. Fires start when the heat is too high. If you see any smoke or the grease starts to boil, turn the burner off.
  • Make sure you are awake and alert. Alcohol and some drugs can make you sleepy.
  • Wear short sleeves or roll them up so they don’t catch on fire.
  • Make sure children and pets stay at least 3 feet away from a hot stove.
  • Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove so no one can bump them or pull them over.
  • Move things that can burn away from the stove. This includes dishtowels, bags, boxes, paper and curtains.
  • Clean cooking equipment after each use. Crumbs in a toaster or grease on the stove can catch fire.
  • If you have a fire in your oven, turn it off. Let the contents cool before cleaning.
  • If you have a fire in your oven and the flames escape it, leave your home and call 911.

For more information from the U.S. Fire Administration go to https://www.usfa.fema.gov/.  

MarBorg Free Christmas Tree Recycling

MarBorg Industries offers free Christmas Tree Recycling after the holidays. All you need to do is bring your tree to the curbside on your green waste collection day. If you do not have green waste service, bring your tree to the curbside on your trash collection day. You can also drop your tree off at the South Coast Recycling & Transfer Station (free through January 14, 2023) located at 4430 Calle Real in Santa Barbara.

MarBorg also offers holiday waste prevention tips:

  • Get creative with your wrapping paper.
  • Switch to reusable batteries.
  • Consider giving an experience over an object.
  • Recycle your non-glitter wrapping paper, greeting cards, tissue paper and cardboard boxes in your blue recycle bin!

Learn more with MarBorg’s 2022 Fall/Winter Newsletter here.

Request to Test Internet Speeds

Results will help identify opportunities to improve internet speed, access, & cost

The Broadband Consortium of the Pacific Coast has launched a Tri-County internet needs assessment survey and speed test campaign for the public to self-report their internet experience and speed at home, work, or wherever they connect. The campaign is an integral part of an effort funded by the California Emerging Technology Fund (CETF) to develop a regional approach to identifying gaps in broadband infrastructure and areas of need, accelerate broadband deployment, and catalyze a local response to digital equity issues.

Data from the survey and speed test campaign will be mapped by GEO Partners, LLC., a geospatial engineering firm, and used to identify areas in the county with low or no access to high-speed internet. Within this test, individuals can also identify areas with low or no service or where access to the internet is unaffordable.

The needs assessment survey for Santa Barbara County was completed in June 2022 as a component of the Santa Barbara County Broadband Strategic Plan. Residents of Santa Barbara County are asked to submit speed tests to continue crowdsourcing data for regional planning.

Residents of Ventura and San Luis Obispo Counties are encouraged to go to Needs Assessment – BCPC Broadband Consortium of the Pacific Coast to take the assessment on a personal computer or laptop at home, at work, or wherever they connect.

In December 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom signed historic legislation, Broadband for All, to advance the State’s commitment to bring affordable access to high-speed internet service across California. The information collected through the Tri-County survey and speed test will be used to seek funding to improve affordable access to high-performing internet across the region to improve digital inclusion. The collection of speed test data is critical to achieving the following:

  • Design of broadband infrastructure that interconnects communities and households through middle-mile networks and local last-mile priorities to increase capacity, redundancy, and resiliency for disaster preparedness and to encourage industry competition.
  • Advance digital inclusion work efforts that improve access to affordable broadband and provide the necessary tools and training to connect residents with social, economic, and democratic opportunities afforded by internet access.
  • Maintenance of a Geographic Information System (GIS) that leverages public input and project data to identify priorities for infrastructure projects and compiles scenarios for organization and execution to provide action steps for public and private efforts.

Data will be collected throughout the tri-county region through mid-2023, with a planned extension of data collection throughout the year and into early 2024. The data collected over the next two months will prioritize action for the investments in Last Mile infrastructure for anticipated funds to be received next year.

ABOUT THE BROADBAND CONSORTIUM PACIFIC COAST

The Broadband Consortium Pacific Coast (BCPC) is one of several strategic initiatives conducted by the Economic Development Collaborative. The Consortium was formed in 2014 and is funded by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), serving as an advocate for broadband deployment and adoption across Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties.

Santa Barbara County Animal Services New Monthly Data Dashboard

Santa Barbara County Animal Services (SBCAS) has a new monthly data dashboard. This report compares animal shelter operations between 2021 and 2022 to give community members a thorough understanding of changes in animal intakes, adoptions, foster care, transfers to partnering agencies, and animal control officer calls. With a renewed commitment to providing the highest level of animal care and keeping community stakeholders informed, the SBCAS team will be sharing this new data report monthly along with a summary of major highlights from the Animal Services Director.

SBCAS leadership will share updates in monthly Director’s summary on upcoming projects identified, including an interactive lost and found map, expanded service hours, and further steps towards increasing visibility of the work of SBCAS, and its partners, countywide.

“We welcome everyone who wishes to contribute to making life better for local homeless pets,” shared Aguilar. “Whether it is through the donation of time through volunteer opportunities, or by opening your heart and home to a foster pet, your gift of kindness makes an impact.”

To sign up for the monthly Animal Services Director’s Summary, data reports, and other SBCAS-related news, visit https://www.countyofsb.org/415/Animal-Services. 

For volunteer opportunities and information about fostering or adopting, visit  https://linktr.ee/sbcanimalservices.

Just Around the Corner…the 2023 Winter Reading Program!

The 2023 Winter Reading Program will begin on January 3rd and run through February 28th. The theme for the 2023 all-ages program is “Reading Makes You Bright” and will celebrate the many benefits of reading. Participation will take place at the Goleta Valley, Buellton, and Solvang Libraries, as well as the Isla Vista Bookvan.

Prize drawings will be held every week for each age group! Simply complete a bookmark entry ticket for each book you read (or listen to!) during the program. Stay tuned for more details coming soon!

For more information on programs at the library, visit www.GoletaValleyLibrary.org.

Festive Winter Fun Awaits at Your Library!

‘Tis the season to be reading, crafting, and exploring at your local library. The staff at the Goleta Valley, Buellton, and Solvang Libraries is excited to share its festive programs with you! From Nutcracker shows to wintery ornaments to train wonderlands, there is something to enchant patrons of all ages this season. Plus, stay tuned for exciting details about the 2023 Winter Reading Program starting just around the corner in January!

Goleta Valley Library

Elf on the Shelf: December 1st – 30th
Search for the Elf on the Shelf as he mischievously moves around the library each week in December! Anyone who spots him will receive a prize.

Cards for Nursing Home Residents: December 1st – 17th
Create a greeting card for residents of local nursing homes. Library staff will deliver the cards near the end of December.

Holiday Festival of Trains: Saturday, December 17th from 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 18th from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Choo, choo! All ages are invited to the library to watch in wonder as a large model train collection chugs around a winter wonderland display in the Multipurpose Room.

Inspire Dance Santa Barbara Presents Clara in the Land of Sweets: Tuesday, December 20th at 11:00 a.m.
Inspire Dance Santa Barbara will perform the story Clara in the Land of Sweets. Come see swirling dancers, silly Mice, and your favorite Nutcracker characters!

Free Ice Skating with Your Library Card: Friday, December 30th
Two sessions available: 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. or 1:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Show your Goleta Valley Library card at Ice in Paradise for a FREE skating session and skate rental! Thank you to Ice in Paradise for this generous gift to our community’s young readers! Skaters must be ages 3+.

Solvang Library

Craft Kit: Sled Ornament: December 1st – 30th
This fun take-home kit perfect for all ages is available for free during Solvang Library’s open hours in December.

Online Book Club for Kids: Wednesday, December 14th at 4:30 p.m.
Join us to explore some great new books! This December, readers get to choose their own book to share with the group. It can be a new book or an old favorite. Be ready to tell us a little bit about the book and why you chose it! We’ll also ask the group their preferences to help us choose books for the coming year. Please register to receive the link for the online meetings! For readers 8-11 years old. Sponsored by Friends of the Library of Santa Ynez Valley.

Buellton Library

Letters to Santa & Library Scavenger Hunt: Now through December 23rd
Get into the holiday spirit with a fun scavenger hunt inside the library! Now through December 23rd you can come by the library to find out Santa’s address with a fun scavenger hunt. Once you find out the address, you can write your letter to Santa. Santa’s responses will be available to pick up starting the last week of December.  All ages welcome, no registration required. Pick up your letter at the front desk!

Craft Kit: DIY Snowman on a Stick: December 1st – 30th
Stop by the Buellton Library and pick up a craft kit all month long! Great for all ages.

Winter Craft Day: Monday, December 19th from 12:00 – 5:00 p.m. (drop-in)
Learn how to fold a Danish paper star ornament! Drop by anytime between 12-5pm to learn how to make a lovely star. This craft is best for ages 12 and up. Other crafts will be available for younger participants.

For all the wonderful events happening at the Goleta and Santa Ynez Valley Libraries, visit the Events Calendar.

Our Water Our World: Hiring a Pest Control Company

What is IPM?

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) relies on (1) locating and identifying pests, (2) getting rid of pests using traps, vacuuming, or other physical or mechanical means, (3) keeping pests out by blocking entry points such as cracks and holes, and (4) when necessary, using eco-friendly pesticides such as cockroach gel baits.

Finding a Pest Control Company that Uses IPM

Most pest control companies recognize that IPM solves pest problems more permanently than repeated spraying, because IPM emphasizes keeping pests out of buildings and working with residents on prevention. It’s still very important, though, to ask specifically for IPM services when you interview or hire a pest management company, or discuss services with your regular provider. In California, three programs certify and list pest control companies that provide IPM services.

  • EcoWise Certified, based in California, administers a rigorous test to make sure licensed pest management professionals understand and can provide prevention-based pest control practices. They certify both companies and individuals.
  • GreenPro, a program of the National Pest Management Association, certifies companies and IPM services that are “reduced risk, comprehensive, and effective.”
  • Green Shield Certified, operated by the nonprofit IPM Institute of North America, certifies companies and services.

Even when you call a certified business, insist on IPM! Many certified companies offer both conventional spray programs and IPM services. Many companies that aren’t certified have their own green service options.

Questions to Ask a Pest Control Company
  • Is your company certified by EcoWise, Green Pro, or Green Shield?
  • Can I count on you to deliver IPM services?
  • Will you send a person who specializes in IPM?
  • Do you try other steps before using a pesticide?
  • Will the services you provide keep pests from coming back?
  • Can I see a typical service ticket? Make sure the ticket shows specific kinds of pests and where they were found on your property; structural conditions that should be corrected to keep pests away; and the recommended length of time before the next visit.
What’s Wrong with Routine Spraying?

Conventional pest control often relies on routine spraying of pesticides inside and around buildings, and along walkways. This may give temporary relief from visible pests, but pests that are hiding behind appliances or in wall spaces will survive and keep breeding. Pests can also become resistant to the pesticides. This means the non-IPM service provider will have to come back and spray again—treating the symptoms of a pest infestation, but not curing the problem. You may be both paying for services that are less effective than IPM, and living with pests.

What to Expect from IPM Services

The first visit will usually include inspection of your home or building, inside and out, to find out what kinds of pests are there; where they find food, water, and shelter; and how they get inside. The service person may leave sticky traps behind to confirm you have pests and learn where they’re hiding. The technician should give you a list of structural issues with the building that may provide places for pests to live and breed. IPM companies will often make simple structural repairs (“pest exclusion repairs”) as a service. You and the service provider should make an agreement about who is going to fix what, and when. The service person may suggest that you clear up clutter so that pests have fewer hiding places and are easy to spot. Don’t take it personally! IPM is a team effort. With clutter reduced and pest exclusion repairs complete, future IPM services are likely to be brief and limited to monitoring for pests (checking sticky traps). But if you see pests, be sure to call the IPM service company!

Does it Cost More?

IPM may cost more than conventional spray treatments at first, because of the time it takes to make a thorough inspection and the cost of repairs to keep pests out. Over time, IPM services should happen less often, take less time, and cost less. Studies show that IPM saves money in the long run.

Find more information on Hiring a Pest Control Company in our OWOW brochures in English and Spanish. 

The City of Goleta along with the Cities of Buellton, Carpinteria, Solvang, Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, and the County of Santa Barbara have partnered with the OWOW organization to promote the use of less-toxic products in an effort to reduce pesticide pollution in our communities. By reducing pesticide use and the use of less-toxic products around the home, you can help reduce pesticides and other pollutants such as herbicides and fertilizers from being picked up while watering or when it rains and transported to the nearest storm drain inlet and into our waterways. The OWOW website is a great resource for finding less-toxic products to use around your home or garden.

Green Room: Creek and Watershed Program Updates

Learn how we are protecting our local waterways with these updates from Goleta’s Environmental Services Division. The City of Goleta Creek and Watershed Management Plan (CWMP) was adopted on November 17, 2020, and was identified in the General Plan/Coastal Land Use Plan as an important step towards the City’s conservation efforts. Development of the CWMP was prompted by a desire to protect our natural resources in Goleta.

What is the CWMP?

The CWMP describes the existing conditions of all 12 creeks that run through the City and identifies impairments to creeks and risks to water quality. The plan outlines tasks, projects, and programs to improve water quality, habitat, and all beneficial uses.

Recent Accomplishments

Goleta has made considerable progress towards implementing some of the priorities outlined in the CWMP. Some of these accomplishments are outlined below.

Hiring additional resources. Given that the majority of the CWMP is unfunded and the Public Works department was understaffed, priority was placed on securing additional resources. As a result, Goleta welcomed new Environmental Specialist staff members and a Civic Spark Fellow! Several new contractors to assist with implementation were also brought on board. 

Obtaining grant funding. Collectively, over $5.6 million in funding was acquired through several grants including: the Cal Recycle Beverage Grant and the Caltrans Bulky Items Collection Grant to assist with cleanup efforts; CalFire funding to reduce the risk of wildfire at Ellwood Mesa; and the California Coastal Conservancy Grant for funding towards the Ellwood Mesa Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan.

Tools, technology, and data. Technology and new tools were developed to assist with cleanup and beautification efforts as a part of the CWMP goals. The City created a custom field collection App for geolocating MuttMitt pet waste locations throughout the City. An App for City-wide trash assessments, site inspections, storm drain infrastructure, and more was also developed. Finally, the Beautify Goleta dashboard was created using GIS technology. The City is also in the process of developing the upcoming Creek and Watershed walking tour App.  

Education and outreach. The City conducted outreach, education, and community involvement to engage and educate the public and stakeholders regarding CWMP efforts and initiatives. Workshops and stakeholder meetings were held concerning improved public access for Devereux Creek as well as enhanced trails and expanded public access. Articles such as this Monarch Press Green Room and Our Water Our World are also posted monthly to educate the public about how best to protect our local waterways and provide updates and tips from the City of Goleta Environmental Services Division. Finally, the City continues to educate the public and conduct outreach through tailored social media posts and community events such as Lemon Festival, Coastal Cleanup Day, Earth Day, and Creek Week, which are fun ways to engage the public and promote conservation.

What’s Next?

New and upcoming projects occurring in 2022 through 2024 include key creek stewardship projects that restore habitat and beneficial uses; as well as water resiliency projects that promote water quality, water recharge and supply. Stay tuned for updates in future Green Room articles!